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‘Our unwavering allegiance is dedicated to the principles of the sanctity of human life, justice, freedom and love. These core values drive the Global Sumud Flotilla…’
By Dr FATIMA HENDRICKS
The Global Sumud Flotilla represents a diverse and urgent coalition of everyday people, united by a shared commitment to human dignity and the transformative power of nonviolent action.
This coalition includes organisers mobilising for change, humanitarians dedicated to alleviating suffering, healthcare professionals providing medical support, artists capturing the human experience, clergy offering spiritual guidance, lawyers championing justice and equality, and seafarers navigating treacherous waters in pursuit of breaking the siege of Gaza.
Together, the Global Sumud Flotilla is a grassroots coalition of people of conscience from around the world working tirelessly to break the siege of Gaza and open up a humanitarian sea corridor of aid to the shores of Gaza.
The coalition is already successful in its grassroots mobilisation, having achieved an incredible feat of global coordination that is unprecedented in human history. This level of collaboration and unity across nations and grass roots organisations has never been seen before for a land, sea and air mobilisation for Palestine, marking a significant turning point in global awareness and action for Palestine.
The Global Sumud Flotilla has mobilised people from over 44 countries, diverse faiths, and varying political beliefs. Despite these differences, we stand united by one critical conviction: the siege and ongoing genocide in Gaza must come to an immediate end. This collective is independent, operating on an international scale without ties to any specific government or political party. Our unwavering allegiance is dedicated to the principles of the sanctity of human life, justice, freedom and love. These core values drive the Global Sumud Flotilla forward with a sense of urgency that cannot be overstated.
Sumud is more than passive endurance, it is an active and unyielding resistance to oppression not only at individual level but also collective level.
We have long admired the resilience and steadfastness, known as Sumud, of the Palestinian people. However, it is few among us who have seriously examined or interrogated our own commitment to this principle for the Palestinian cause. With a sense of urgency and purpose, we must turn our introspection into Sumudic action in solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza.
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Sumud is more than passive endurance, it is an active and unyielding resistance to oppression not only at individual level but also collective level. It embodies a spirit of communal responsibility in truth and patience.
As a boat crew member in the South African delegation of the Global Sumud Flotilla, I find myself deeply reflecting on Surah Al-Asr, a chapter of the Holy Quran that resonates with this mission. This powerful chapter from the Quran is my personal reminder of the precious value of time, upholding the truth in speaking truth to power, and the necessity of steadfastness no matter the struggle. In this Surah, Allah Ta’ala highlights the importance of human perseverance and unity in striving towards righteousness and justice. As a boat crew member, this often-recited Surah in my prayers guides my participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla. It is my call to action as I sail in stormy waters with hope and love, yet resolute in the shared commitment of the Global Sumud Flotilla to break the siege of Gaza through direct, non-violent action.
May success be with the Global Sumud Flotilla, in this blessed month of Rabi-ul-Awwal and 1500 years since the Noble Prophetic birth, as we carry love and light in our hearts, beating as one heart with the people of Palestine.
Dr Fatima Hendricks, from Cape Town, is an occupational therapist, author and educator. A mother of two and cancer survivor, Dr Hendricks advocates for justice through non-violent action and global solidarity. Her work highlights the devastating impact of oppression on health, education, and family life, while inspiring awareness of the Palestinian right to live freely and peacefully.
- The live tracker is up for the Global Sumud Flotilla with the names of the current boats on the water. As the other boats join up, including the SA Team from Tunis, they’ll appear here.
